The Irish islands that will pay you up to €84,000 to live there
If you’ve ever felt like dropping everything and starting afresh somewhere new, now may be the time to do so as the Irish government is offering generous cash incentives to those willing to move to its rural islands.Read more...
The Spanish view of a potential Brexit
The debate over Britain’s status in the European Union is not just a matter for the British people living in the country, or British citizens living and working within Europe, it is also of concern to the other member countries too.Read more...
Affordable leisure in Spain
Enjoying a meal out in Spain is both a pleasure and inexpensive compared to other European countries and the UK, but eating is not the only entertainment on offer. We look at the cost of various events and activities around Spain.Read more...
Looking at the future for expats after the UK EU Referendum
With just a few weeks left to go before the EU Referendum on June 23rd, the latest polls seem to be showing that the vote is going to be very close indeed. Many expats here in France confess to not being totally aware of what would actually happen if Britain left the EU and there is some evidence to suggest the feeling may be the same for many in the UK.Read more...
Making the most of the fabulous French markets
Who can possibly resist the appeal of a good French market? Actually, is there any other kind than “good”?! We love market shopping and it is truly a way of life in France. Most of the people in our village do practically all their shopping in one of the local markets: the food is fresh and almost all of it locally grown, the prices are good, you can socialise at the same time, and you are out in the open, soaking up the atmosphere.Read more...
Madrid to build EU’s tallest skyscraper
The Spanish capital could be about to get Europe’s tallest skyscraper, as part of a massive redevelopment of northern Madrid, which will see the building of 17,699 new homes, a 3.7-kilometre extension to Madrid’s great thoroughfare, and green spaces equivalent to 56 football pitches.Read more...
High Court ruling says no to expat vote on UK EU Referendum
The High Court ruling today confirmed that any British expats who have been living away from the UK for over 15 years are unable to vote on whether the UK should stay or leave the EU. The case was spearheaded by a 94 year old veteran of World War II, Harry Shindler, who is resident in Italy, and a lawyer, Jacquelyn MacLennan. Their case was based on the argument that by denying them the right to vote on whether the UK should stay in or leave the EU, their right to freedom of movement under EU law was restricted, stating that their lives will be directly affected by the outcome of the referenduRead more...
EU tells Spain to ban mortgages with “abusive” contracts
The EU is threatening Spain with action unless it improves protection for the public when taking out a mortgage with a Spanish bank. In a formal notice sent out last week, the European Commission said it “is requesting Spain to bring its national laws on civil procedure regulating mortgage enforcement and payment orders in line with EU consumer law… to ensure that consumers are fully protected against unfair contract terms.” The Commission says that Spain has two months to reply to the notice.Read more...
Portugal’s cities are about to get “yuppified”
Portugal’s Prime Minister has announced a huge investment to gentrify the country’s historic city centres, to encourage the middle classes back to the city and make renting more affordable.Read more...
How Catalans celebrate Lovers’ Day
Did you know that the Patron Saint of England is also the patron saint of Catalonia? He is also the saint for other countries, such as Malta, Portugal, Georgia and Romania. It seems that he is celebrated in one way or another everywhere except in England. Could that be due to King Henry VIII, who was excommunicated from the Catholic Church and became the Defender of the Faith of the Anglican Church? I don’t know, but it seems a shame that there are no special festivities on his day.Read more...
April property market update
Latest reports suggest that the current demand for housing in Spain will continue rising by around 10% throughout 2016, stimulating further growth in house prices throughout the year.Read more...